Suspilne correspondent Serhii Zakharchenko reported the development live from the Olympic studio, confirming that Heraskevych has received the official decision from the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF).
The document explicitly stated the reason for the disqualification: the Ukrainian athlete allegedly made a "political statement" by wearing his "tribute helmet."
"There is a jury decision regarding the skeleton competition at the Olympic Games in the case of Vladyslav Heraskevych concerning a violation of Olympic rules on athletes expressing their position," Zakharchenko explained.
"By wearing the helmet, he violates Rule 50 of the IOC Charter: allegedly making political appeals."
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) earlier banned Heraskevych from using the "tribute helmet", claiming it "does not comply with the principles of the Olympic Charter, which provide for the neutrality of equipment and the prevention of political or other messages during competitions."
Heraskevych pushed back, pointing to double standards within the IOC. He noted that an Italian snowboarder was allowed to compete with a Russian flag on his helmet, despite symbols of the aggressor country being officially banned at the 2026 Games.
Failed Compromise
The IOC proposed a compromise: Heraskevych could wear a black armband during the race to honor the killed athletes and display the "tribute helmet" before and after his run, as well as in the mixed zone with media.
Heraskevych rejected these terms. He declared he was only willing to compete while wearing the "tribute helmet" which depicts over 20 Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia, including children.